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ONTARIO – CANADA We invite you to choose Perth County, alongside the businesses that enjoy success and prosperity in our thriving region. Our businesses have mastered the balance of being technologically advanced and globally connected while maintaining local roots.

Perth County offers affordable development charges and land rates, modern infrastructure, a dedicated skilled workforce and passionate entrepreneurial spirit. Our robust, diversified economy has competitive advantages in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, metal fabrication and tourism.

Our residents take pride in our unparalleled quality of life. Not only is Perth County a great place to invest, it is a great place to live!

2 TOP 10 REASONS TO LOCATE IN PERTH COUNTY

1. Economic Diversity 6. Modern Infrastructure We are a dynamic, economically vibrant region that We have an extensive modern telecommunications, hydro celebrates a diversity of businesses in agriculture, and natural gas infrastructure supported by strong local manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and national companies. construction, retail and tourism. 7. Strategic Location 2. Business Opportunities Our location provides access to major Canadian and Over the past two years we have welcomed over 1,000 US markets including Toronto, Detroit, Buffalo and Port new businesses to our community. Huron, as well as an abundance of trade opportunities.

3. Work-Life Balance 8. Competitive Cost of Doing Business Our residents have time for life! They enjoy an average Perth County offers competitive land prices, development commute of 11 minutes vs. the Canadian average of charges and municipal tax rates. 25 minutes. 9. Booming Tourism 4. Quality of Life We welcome over 1.3 million visitors per year to our Over 90% of local businesses rate Perth County’s quality world class theatres, and to enjoy our cultural and of life as good or excellent! culinary delights!

5. Talented Workers 10. Environment of Innovation Our businesses tell us the top reasons to locate here are We are doing amazing things with technology in business environment, quality of life and our dedicated, agriculture and manufacturing, and winning global skilled workforce. recognition for our innovation.

3 LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

From Perth County KM Miles

Windsor 250 155

Alliston 152 94

Sarnia 150 93

Toronto 150 93

Mississauga 123 76

Hamilton 110 68

Kitchener/Waterloo 45 27

Buffalo 210 130

Detroit 244 152

Perth County is centrally located and globally connected to serve your business! Our offices will provide assistance based on sound information for you to make a well-informed business decision.

Strategic Access With a regional population of 75,000, Perth County Perth County is home to over 180 professional is conveniently situated in the heart of Southwestern transportation and logistics companies to efficiently Ontario with the North American Market at our doorstep. move your goods and products to local, regional and international markets, as well as access to superior The County’s neighbouring regions of Waterloo, Oxford supply chain solutions. and London-Middlesex represent some of the fastest growing areas in the Province. They are home to over Highway 401 is the largest highway in Ontario and 500,000 people, leading Colleges, Universities and provides access to over half of Canada’s population research institutes that represent a substantial market and the US border. Connected by Provincial Highways for labour, goods and services. Perth County offers to Highway 401, we have access to over half of Canada’s industrial and business parks of various sizes and service population and seamless integration with the U.S. requirements, in a range of locations to accommodate transportation system, allowing you to reach important your expansion or new build. markets in North America and beyond.

4 Rail, Port & Air Perth County is well served by both passenger and Owen Sound freight rail services and located within close proximity of Collingwood Barrie international shipping ports.

86 6 400

Three carriers provide daily freight rail service to 4 Goderich Listowel Toronto Perth County. 23 86 8 Milverton Guelph Lake Huron PERTH Waterloo 401 COUNTY Mitchell Kitchener Lake Ontario Stratford 7/8 Hamilton St. Marys 21 New York 403 QEW 7 USA 4 Perth County is conveniently located within a 1.5 Niagara Falls Port Huron 402 Sarnia London hour drive of five international shipping ports. Buffalo Michigan USA

40

Lake Erie 401 Lake St. Clair There are five international airports that Detroit Windsor serve the region (all located within a 1.5 hour drive), including Stratford Municipal Airport, equipped to handle corporate, freight and recreational flights.

Rail Services Info Carrying

Via Rail Canada www.viarail.ca Passenger

Canadian Pacific Rail www.cpr.ca Goods

Canadian National Railway www.cn.ca Goods

Goderich-Exeter Railway Co. www.gwrr.com Goods

Airport Facilities Port Facilities Toronto Pearson International Airport Port of Goderich www.torontopearson.com www.goderichport.ca London International Airport Sarnia www.flylondon.ca www.sarnialambton.on.ca Region of Waterloo International Airport Hamilton Port Authority www.waterlooairport.ca www.hamiltonport.ca Hamilton International Airport Port Stanley www.flyhi.ca www.centralelgin.org/content/port-stanley-harbour Stratford Municipal Airport Toronto Port Authority www.stratfordcanada.ca www.torontoport.com

5 OPPORTUNITY LIVES HERE

Perth County offers all the benefits of a small town lifestyle, without sacrificing any amenities. Explore the opportunities for building your life here!

We perfectly blend tradition with small town sincerity and our communities balance historic culture with modern amenities and progressive, forward thinking approaches.

Over 90% of local businesses rate Perth County’s quality of life as excellent/good!

Local Food Culture & Recreation Experience the flavours of Perth County. Home grown, Perth County serves up a diverse range of memorable fresh and tasty local delights, restaurants, shops and experiences for visitors and residents alike. farmers’ markets – we celebrate everything there is to A study in contrasts: lush, rural farmland and backcountry love about food. roads intersect with historic architecture and vibrant Perth County offers authentic culinary experiences: downtowns. Seven golf courses, acres of parkland and strawberry picking, farm fresh stands, six farmers natural areas take centre stage along side theatre, music, markets, local cheese and food festivals. With Stratford at art and food. Local Amish and Mennonite populations the culinary heart, our quality produce is the highlight of showcase their fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and the authentic Stratford culinary experience that sets this handcrafted furniture in local stores and at the farmgate. region apart and attracts over a million visitors each year! Perth County has hundreds of kilometres of trails and Orchestrated by world-class chefs, Perth County’s 65 acres of wetlands, offering outdoor enthusiasts of fresh quality pork, beef, dairy and organic produce are all ages and skill levels a myriad of fitness and showcased as the best in the Province. photography opportunities.

Recreation Facilities Include

8 10 6 26 Ice pads/ Community Swimming Baseball Arenas Centres Pools Diamonds

16 50km 262km 7 7 Soccer of Hiking of Cycling Tennis Golf Pitches Trails Trails Courts Courses

6 Housing 2013 Average House Price Perth County offers historic charm and a range of (Single Detached) Cost community amenities for our happy residents. Our Perth County Average $249,700 diversity in lifestyle opportunities has something for everyone. Choose from farm and rural living or more St. Marys $250,160 urban lifestyles in our 17 towns and villages. London-St. Thomas $261,051 Communities rich in architecture and culture provide a home base to build a life, offering a range of housing Stratford $263,116 to suit any style and budget. Starter homes and Guelph $322,949 executive upgrades are available within our vibrant, liveable communities. Kitchener-Waterloo $387,130

Housing in our communities is among the most affordable Provincial Average $394,248 in South-western Ontario. The average sale price of a

1 single-detached dwelling in the County is $237,288. National Average $398,894

Greater Toronto Area Average $683,468

1 Huron Perth Real Estate Board, 2013 YTD Source: Homeprice Index,Huron-Perth Real Estate Board 7 INFRASTRUCTURE

Perth County offers modern infrastructure, extensive supply chain and competitive business costs to support your business success.

Our office is here to help you identify locations and opportunities for realizing success in Perth County!

Telecom Hydro and Natural Gas Perth County enjoys a rural lifestyle while being globally Reliable consistent energy sources are a strength for connected. The availability of high-speed wireless and Ontario, including the most affordable natural gas rates broadband service is available to over 99% of residents in in North America and a commitment to clean and both rural and urban centres. renewable hydro.

Ongoing investments in fibre infrastructure are being You will get more for your money in Perth County where made by a number of progressive regional and national labour, corporate income tax rates and property taxes are telecommunications companies to ensure Perth County among the most competitive in North America. is connected to global markets.

University of Waterloo Stratford Campus Photo credit: Jonathan Bielaski www.lightimaging.ca

8 Education Health Care Perth County leads the Province in delivering high quality With hospitals in Listowel, Stratford and St. Mary’s, education! offering emergency, surgical, paediatrics and medical imaging, the region benefits from high quality, patient- Two progressive school boards are cultivating the centred care. potential of our future generation. The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board is one of the highest Large regional health care centres in London and achieving boards in Ontario and the Avon Maitland Kitchener further support core programs offered in Perth School Board delivers unique Distance and International County’s area hospitals. Education Programs. Family practice teams and general physicians are located The University of Waterloo Stratford Campus challenges in most communities, supported by other practitioners students to create, examine and commercialise such as dentists, physiotherapists, nutritionists and a opportunities in the digital media space, and their wide range of holistic care professionals. graduates are being recruited internationally by well- Extensive Supply Chain Support known leading companies. Our region has proven strengths in serving industry The Stratford Chef’s School has been producing the next including over 180 firms with supply chain solutions generation of world class chefs for 30 years. including processors, warehousing, equipment, distribution, storage and transportation. High quality trades programs are ensuring that a skilled workforce is available to serve our local industry.

9 DEMOGRAPHICS

Perth County has the talented workers you need to power your business, providing a higher proportion of workers with trades and college certificates than the Ontario average.

Most Populated Urban Areas Perth County Population Distribution 3% Stratford North Perth 9% 30,886 5% 12,631 Listowel Perth East 13% 6,867 17% 12,028 12% 61% St. Marys West Perth 14% 6,655 8,919 Mitchell 16% Perth South 4,448 3,993

Milverton 1,519 Source: Canada Census data 2011

Population PERTH COUNTY POPULATION: QUICK STATS Perth County’s regional population in 2011 was 75,112. Approximately 50% of which reside in Stratford and Mother Tongue Languages St. Marys. The remaining 50% resides in the other four municipalities that comprise Perth County and include English – 90% the urban areas of Listowel, Milverton, Atwood, Monkton, German – 5% Shakespeare and Mitchell. Dutch – 2% The County consists of a diverse multicultural make up French – 1% with English constituting the majority group, followed Other – 2% by German, Dutch and French natives. More recently, the region has been welcoming an increasing number % of the population is of new Canadians seeking the quality lifestyle offered in 56 in the labour force this region. Our communities are making consistent investments Since 1996, the population % has grown by 4 to ensure we remain attractive places to live. We are investing in new recreational facilities, of the labour force downtown beautification and new infrastructure to % has a post-secondary remain competitive. 62 education

Source: Canada Census data 2011

10 Labour Force A hardworking, dedicated and skilled workforce is at Agriculture, professional services, health care and social the heart of Perth County and is a differentiating factor, services represent the sectors with the highest growth ensuring the County remains competitive within local and rates locally. global markets. The manufacturing sector is the largest employer in the Overall, Perth County enjoys higher participation and region, employing 30% more people than health care and employment rates than the Province of Ontario as a social services. whole. Employers in Perth County regard the work ethic There are 8,500 jobs in green and technology-based of their staff as being a critical factor to their success. manuacturing in the region.

Labour Force by Occupation, Perth County

Occupation # Employed % of Workforce Sales and Service 8,840 21.1% Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators 7,6 20 18.2 Business, Finance and Administration 5,600 13.4 Management Occupations 5,130 12.2 Manufacturing and Utilities 4,065 9.7 Education, Law, Social, Government & Community Services 3,560 8.5 Health Occupations 2,805 6.7 Natural Resources, Agriculture & Related Occupations 1,660 4.0 Natural and Applied Sciences 1,525 3.6 Art, Culture, Recreation & Sport 1,075 2.6 Total 41,880 100.0% Canada NHS, 2011 for Perth County Census Division

Labour Force Participation Rates Labour Force by Industry (Top 5)

Agriculture 9% Perth 16% County, CD Ontario Manufacturing 17.6% 15% In the Labour Force 42,455 6,864,990 Health Care & 11.6% Social Services 10% Participation Rate 71% 65.5% Retail Trade 10.7% 10% Employment Rate 67. 1% 60.1% Construction 7.5% 9% Unemployment Rate 5.5% 8.3% Region County (excl. Stratford)

Source: Canada NHS data 2011 Source: Canada NHS data 2011 11 SECTORS

Perth County is home to over 7,000 businesses. In the past two years we have welcomed over 1,000 new and start-up businesses.

Our diverse economy is comprised of agriculture, manufacturing, construction, retail and healthcare.

Within these sectors we have strong competitive advantages in advanced manufacturing, metal fabricating, food processing and green products.

Perth County businesses are leaders, using technology and innovation to make global impacts on the world stage.

12 Agri-Business Perth County is one of Ontario’s most productive The County has proudly sprouted numerous winners of agricultural regions and home to world leading farm the Ontario Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation production, food processing and agri-business. Excellence.

With a rich agricultural tradition stretching back over Perth County’s vast opportunities for value-added 170 years, Perth County is a prime location to establish agriculture and agri-business include: or invest in an agri-business. Surrounded by 200,000 Food processing and handling facilities hectares of prime agricultural land, the County produces Farm equipment and parts manufacturing over $730 million in cash farm receipts2. This history Green energy and bio-crops of tradition blends with a culture of innovation, Bio-based materials & product manufacturing producing high quality outputs utilising progressive, Genetics and research facilities sustainable practices.

Agriculture and Agri-food sector employs over 4,000 people and is 16% of the County’s labour force.

Manufacturing Perth County’s manufacturing sector produces quality Seventeen percent of the regional labour force is products in a range of industries. Their success results employed in the manufacturing sector in over 300 small, from a commitment to quality, on-time delivery medium and large businesses. and exemplary customer service in Ontario and Proximity to the United States and key Ontario markets, Global markets. Arts, culture and tourism represent 4,000 jobs in the regionalthe adoption economy. of advanced capabilities and a dedicated labour force are driving factors of success in Perth County.

MADE IN PERTH COUNTY

Automotive components and parts Precision and custom metal fabrication Feed and animal pharmaceuticals Engineering & Machining Food processing Green products and technology ArchiOvertectur althe and past structu tworal years metals we welcomedAgri-food products Concret1,000e new and start-up businesses.Textiles

2 OMAFRA Census of Agriculture, 2012 13 Arts, Culture & Tourism Perth County and Stratford attract over one million parks, trails and wetlands, ensuring ample recreational visitors each year, contributing millions of dollars to the opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and local economy. skill levels.

Our visitors enjoyAgriculture exploring the quaint and shops Agri-food of our historic sector Arts employs and Culture isover a foundational 4,000 base for tourism in downtowns while samplingpeople our and local culinaryis 16% delights. of thePerth County County.’ s Home labour to talented force. visual artists, writers, Local festivals, fairs and markets are popular destinations actors, music and film production companies, as well for visitors to take in our small town charm and fresh as Canada’s most famous Shakespearean theatre in local flavours. Stratford. Collectively, we serve up a diverse range of memorable experiences and opportunities for tourism Perth County’s eco-minded communities have worked and recreation-based business investment. hard to preserve the natural state of their magnificent

Arts, culture and tourism represent 4,000 jobs in the regional economy.

Construction Perth County’s vibrant construction industry is home Major specialised industrial and commercial contractors to over 600 specialised trade and construction in Perth County include: companies offering quality experience in residential, Looby Construction (Ellis Don) commercial, agriculture,Over industrial, the pastinstitutional, two civil years and we McLeanwelcomed Taylor Construction Iron Bridge roadway construction. 1,000 new and start-up businesses.FGC Construction Finnbilt Contracting Van Pelt Construction Gaffney Construction A progressive, dedicated construction sector supports growth in the region with yearly construction values for Over time, Perth County has built the corporate capacity industrial, comerical and institutional projects in the and the skilled workforce in order to meet the challenges County exceeding $30 million each of the past three years. of a strong construction sector.

14 Agriculture and Agri-food sector employs over 4,000 people and is 16% of the County’s labour force.

Freelance Professionals The quality infrastructure and unparalleled lifestyle in be greeted by name in return. Build your life in a region Perth County allows you the flexibility to live locally and that others choose as an escape from crowded cities. work globally. Freelance Professionals will find: Illustrators, writers, analysts, artists, accountants, Lifestyle and local amenities trainers, consultants and a host ofArts, other professionals culture and Qualitytourism telecommunications represent services call Perth County their home and embrace4,000 the jobs exciting in the regionalProgressive local economy. education lifestyle opportunities that the County offers. A safe place to live Thriving arts and local food culture Wake up in a historical home and breathe clean air; walk Rail service out one’s front door and grab a latte without fighting Diverse housing options at affordable prices through traffic congestion; wave to a neighbour and

Over the past two years we welcomed 1,000 new and start-up businesses.

Services Sector While Perth County’s economy has strong roots Over 1,700 service- based businesses provide the in agriculture and manufacturing, we continue to integral services needed to support the industries and experience growth in our creative and cultural industries. residents of Perth County, including: Finance Perth County has representation of all major financial Technology and digital media banks with local branches located in the communities Transportation that comprise Perth. North Perth is home to the head Warehousing and logistics office for Trillium Mutual Insurance and large centres for Hospitality RBC and Scotiabank are located in Stratford. Professional services 15 OUR BUSINESSES

Perth County prides itself on the quality leadership demonstrated by our business community. Many of our companies have enjoyed success here for generations and are undertaking ground breaking new developments to secure their future.

Our businesses in all sectors continue to set themselves apart from the competition. From robotics to animal pharmaceuticals, auto parts to farm equipment, our businesses have adopted technology and positioned themselves as community leaders. They adhere to rigorous customer service and quality standards.

Proud of their roots, our businesses invite you to find out why they choose to remain planted here and to continue to grow their businesses in Perth County.

16 Friendly Business Climate The County of Perth offers a competitive, vibrant food processing, construction, information, tele- environment to promote growth and investment. Over communications, tourism, business services and 90% of businesses rate Perth County’s quality of life as cultural sectors. excellent/good. Similarly, our businesses consistently In addition, we have a wide range of retail services forming rate Perth County as a favourable place to run the foundation of Perth County’s economy. a business.

Perth County enjoys a diversified economy that has seen You get more for your money in Perth County with consistent growth. Between 2013 and 2014, Perth County affordable property tax rates, support for new grew by over 1,000 new businesses! and expanding businesses, competitive lease rates and land prices. The initial investment costs to locate here are highly affordable and competitive. Our business environment is as progressive as it is diverse, with companies in manufacturing, agriculture,

Tax Rate Comparison Data (2013)

New Construction Region Industrial (Industrial) Perth County- North Perth 1.35% 1.35% Goderich 2.82 2.82 Perth County - Milverton 3.06 3.06 Perth County - South Perth 3.14 2.80 Perth County - West Perth 3.24 2.90 Waterloo 3.46 3.12 Kitchener 3.51 3.17 London 4.15 3.81 Woodstock 5.00 4.66 Stratford 5.02 4.68 Ingersoll 5.12 4.78

Source: Municipal Websites

17 Business Opportunities Perth County Council, our communities and economic We invite you to explore the reasons our local businesses development staff are committed to fostering a strong have achieved success. Our office is here to provide you infrastructure for sustainable economic growth. with the right amount of guidance you need to start from scratch or continue to grow from what you’ve already Perth County’s dedicated skilled labour force, healthcare achieved within our community. and leisure services, expanding housing sector, competitive business environment and readily available Reach out to us for any work-related needs and see how amenities are just a few of the reasons why our business we cultivate opportunities. Your business is our pleasure. enjoy success. Find out more about some of the companies that chose We are honoured to be the ambassadors of economic to move to or start their business in Perth County. development within the County, creating the jobs that establish legacies, which in turn helps our County to climb to the top of the list of leaders in a wide range of industries.

18 Top Employers

Employers # of Employees Maple Leaf Foods 550

Listowel Technology Inc. 450

Spinrite Inc. 430

Cooper Standard Automotive 280

Erie Meat Products Ltd. 250

Parmalat 180

Armtech-Durisol 150

Ideal Supply Company Ltd. head office 115

McLean Taylor Construction 110

FGC Construction 100

19 TESTIMONIALS

Listowel Technology, Inc. Nuhn Industries Ltd. Listowel Technology, Inc. (LTI) is a world-class Nuhn Industries Ltd. is a third generation, family- manufacturer of automotive parts. Manufacturing plastic owned business in Perth East. Founded in 1902 by Ian’s components exclusively for Honda, they serve a North grandfather as a blacksmith shop, Nuhn industries has American market from Perth County. emerged as a leading edge devloper of farm equipment. Their lagoon crawler has won awards in two subsequent “North Perth was a natural fit with our industry. Perth years at the North American farm show. And they don’t County has great infrastructure provided by the plan to stop there. The company is currently planning a municipality, is close to transportation corridors, offers 30,000 square foot additon to their 66,000 square foot good working relationships with local government officials facility in Perth East. and, most importantly, has a qualified and educated labour force with great work ethics. These are the factors Dennis continually redesigns his products to maintain that have contributed to our very competitive situation, Nuhn Industries Ltd.’s reputation as a leading innovator ensuring a successful business for our shareholders.” in the industry. He strives to provide today’s farmers with says Blair Burns, Manager of Human Resources. the largest capacity, most efficient and most reliable equipment. Today, Nuhn Industries Ltd. continues to Since its inception, LTI has experienced steady growth expand and increase its market share throughout North and success over the past 18 years. America, Latin America, Japan and Africa.

The company’s success is also driven by progressive “Being in this area is a huge benefit for the field of work commitment to provide safe, quality working conditions we’re in. The strong tech-push at the highschools ensures for its employees. LTI has achieved 1.1 million that we have access to the very high skilled welders, hours without a lost time accident. LTI’s combined machinists and workers we need. Because it is a small commitment to innovation, the community, as well as the community we can go to town hall meetings to move environment contributes to their competitive strength as things ahead.” says Ian Nuhn, Vice-President of Nuhn an industry leader. Industries. “It helps to know people. The municipality puts a high value on having business in the area.”

20 BioAgriMix Quadro Communications Co-operative Inc. Located in Mitchell Ontario, BioAgriMix has has grown In Perth South, Quadro Communications Co-operative considerably from the 500 square feet they started out in Inc. is stepping up to help make sure local communities are thirty years ago. Now ISO 9001 certified and recognised connected and competitive. Their mandate is to reinvest by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), into the community, removing the profit driven pressures Health Canada and the United States Federal Drug of larger communications companies. Its traditional Administration (FDA), BioAgriMix is Canada’s largest roots haven’t held Quadro back from becoming one producer of Animal Pharmaceutical products. of the leaders of modern fibre and wireless infrastructure in Ontario. Their commitment to quality, leading edge research, ethical business practices and location in the heart Over the past 8 years, Quadro has worked to lay fibre of farming-country has contributed to their success. throughout Perth South. This investment has come with a Keeping ahead of industry trends is in their culture and cost of approximately $10 million, resulting in a connected BioAgriMix holds the safety of animals, workers and rural area that is unrivalled in most parts of Ontario. consumers of highest importance. The passion of the Quadro’s General Manger – John DeHeer identifies some team at BioAgriMix is a key factor in their success. of their competitive advantages. Their use of state of the “The Work ethic is very strong. A lot of our people art construction ​equipment allows for a “barely there” have been with us a long time, which provides a strong footprint when laying the fibre to the home and business. base from which to grow.” says Paul Lake, President of “A commitment to exceptional customer service is top BioAgriMix. “Perhaps the biggest plus of being located of the list for Quadro” says John DeHeer, and is essential in Perth County is the working relationship with the to success in small communities. Companies like Quadro municipality and the willingness of their staff to work are leading the way, ensuring Perth County is a connected with you. There is a “Can Do” approach to help you community... one sideroad at a time. with any issues you run up against.”

21 Iron Bridge Fabrication Goettler’s Fine Furniture With over 17 years of experience in creating durable The Goettler family, from Dublin, Ontario, has been bridges and custom fabrications, Iron Bridge Fabrication successfully keeping ahead of retail trends since 1952, chose to relocate its business to Perth County. Attracted growing Goettler’s Fine Furniture from a grass roots by affordable low tax rates, available real estate and furniture store to an ecommerce-preneur. an eager skilled work force, owner Mike Haid made the G.G. Goettler of Dublin began as a Red & White grocery decision to establish roots here. store. Seeing an opportunity to fill a local need, they “One of the benefits of being in Perth County for my began to sell La-Z-Boy chairs and took the leap from company is the strong work ethic and commitment to the groceries to fine furniture. job of the local workforce” says Mike Haid, owner of Iron Today Goettlers continues to grow and thrive in “Ontario’s Bridgeworks Fabrication. Furniture Village”. The brand strives to firmly position a According to Mike, being in a rural environment is perfect small village of approximately 350 people in the Ontario for his company and has never been an obstacle to growth. retail furniture landscape. The 30,000 square foot With projects as far away as Edmonton and a staff of store currently showcases over forty major brands. The thirty, Perth County definitely suits this young, rapidly launch of new online stores pushes the business in a new growing company. direction once again and a prolific social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Houzz, Pinterest and Iron Bridge has plans to grow its staff, including adding Vine drives new customers to discover their quality to its team of skilled metal fabricators to meet growing products. demand. The company’s home-grown entrepreneurial spirit and quality products have made a mark on “I was pleased with the local availability of technology landscapes across Canada. and talent needed to take Goettler’s online.” says Steve Goettler, President of Goettler’s Fine Furniture. “I plan to increase our online offerings to continue to grow the Goettler brand right here in Perth County.”

22 EFS plastics Inc. Gildale Farms EFS plastics Inc. is a post-consumer plastic recycling and Innovation isn’t new to Perth County businesses and reprocessing company, specialising in mixed plastic and Gildale farms is leading the way. Serving an Ontario film (shopping bag) recycling. EFS produces high quality market from their location in Perth South, this multi- pellets which can replace virgin plastic by up to 100% generation business is an innovator in developing bio- in the manufacture of plastic bags, tool boxes, piping mass and green energy products. The company produces and other consumer products. This diverts over 12,000 wood pellets and animal bedding from sawdust by- metric tons/year of mixed plastics and shopping bags products from timber mills and furniture manufacturing, from landfills. creating quality energy-efficient fuel products.

EFS does their part for the environment by saving the Located within 30 minutes of London and 2 hours energy of more than 1,500 4-person households every from the Greater Toronto Area, “Perth County provides year! EFS was one of the first businesses to locate in the a secure base for our operations with a diverse and North Perth business park. comprehensive supportive business community” says Scott Abercrombie, President of Gildale Farms. Lower taxes in North Perth was one factor for choosing the new location, but there were other considerations Driven by a commitment to customer service and as well. These include the availability of wastewater environmental sustainability, Gildale farms produces treatment facilities and fiber optic internet connections, 5,000 tons of wood pellets each year. They have seen rapid which are important both for the process as well as their growth over the past nine years and they don’t have plans daily business needs. to stop. Gilldale is committed to the future and is seeking to explore new sustainable products and opportunities “The location is central for many of our employees. As well that might arise with Biomass crops. “There is no doubt the Municipality was very helpful and quick in assisting that the future is exciting for our company. We are us. The taxes are competitive and we got a good deal for proud to be located in Perth south and there is no doubt the land” says Martin Vogt, President of EFS plastics. that this has contributed to our company’s success” says Scott.

23 OUR COMMUNITIES

North Perth Perth East Whether a sports enthusiast, supporter of the arts, Whatever one’s business interests are, Perth East has history buff or someone that loves to shop, North Perth something for everyone. offers something for everyone! With a population of 12,000 people, Perth East is a North Perth is home to 12,600 residents and is the fastest geographically large and diverse area, known for their growing community in Perth County. The major urban unique Amish and Mennonite communities. centre in North Perth is Listowel, which has a thriving, Metal fabrication businesses dot the landscape of Perth active downtown and diverse retail offerings as well as East and innovative leading companies include Nuhn being a regional commercial and service hub for nearby Industries, Iron Bridge Fabrication, Quality Fertilizers and communities in Huron and Wellington Counties. Mornington Communications. North Perth is home to companies such as Trillium Mutual Each of the communities that comprise Perth East Head office, Listowel Technologies, Erie Meats, Spinrite offers their own unique character. The bustling shops of Yarns and large national retailers. Milverton, Millbank, Sebringville and Shakespeare feature Creative cultural industries contribute greatly to specialty foods, antiques, unique clothing and gifts as Listowel’s success, as it is home to many talented visual well as charming restaurants; all in close proximity to the artists who are showcased annually as part of the region’s tourist delights of Stratford. Studio Tour. Theatre 311 is a well-respected venue for Perth East is home to Anna Mae’s Restaurant and live theatre, drawing on local talent and actors from Bakery, a family run business that takes pride in offering surrounding cities. homemade meals, fresh pies and various baked goods. With a range of commercial and industrial locations Anna Mae’s produces over 80,000 pies a year from its available, North Perth is ready to welcome new business. rural location in Millbank, and has recently been featured Their 57 acre business park is attracting new industries on the ‘You Gotta Eat Here!’ TV show. from across the region.

24 West Perth Perth South Opportunities are endless in West Perth where one can With the highest average household income in find the perfect location for their business within a close Perth County, Perth South residents enjoy a high distance to all major markets. standard of living.

With a population of just under 10,000, West Perth Being the smallest municipality in Perth County is located within 40 minutes of London and an easy (population of 3,993 people) doesn’t mean that Perth commute to Stratford. West Perth has a market trade South doesn’t have a great deal to offer its residents area of over 40,000 people located within 15 minutes. and businesses. A vibrant community with commercial and industrial Innovation abounds in the entrepreneurs that call Perth locations available for one’s business needs, including South home and who have started businesses to serve space in the quaint and historic downtowns of Mitchell the region. With proximity to London and Ingersoll, and Dublin. businesses such as Maple Leaf Foods, Klomps Nursery, West Perth is home to numerous industries that McCully’s Hill Farms, C’est Bon Cheese, McLean Taylor include Cooper Standard Automotive, Armtec Durisol, Construction and Hoffmeyers Mill have made a name for Parmalat, Sofina and leading Animal Pharmaceutical themselves well beyond Perth County. producer BioAgriMix. Smaller innovative food and agri-businesses produce Mitchell’s small town ambience plays host to a unique artisanal cheeses and biofuels that serve larger Ontario selection of everything from designer clothing to home markets. A largely rural community, Perth South has a decor, pet supplies to hardware supplies and bicycles broad base of fibre available to homes and businesses, to motorcycles. provided by community-owned Quadro Communications, connecting these successful businesses to their West Perth celebrates its natural wetlands and trails worldwide customers. offering birding and recreational opportunities.

25 INVEST HERE

Perth County’s member municipalities strive to provide Total Number of Businesses Per Sector policy and regulations that are supportive of business # of investment. Councils at the Municipal and County Sector Businesses levels work closely with staff to ensure that a seamless Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 2,330 development processes, reasonable development charges and competitive tax rates are in place. Construction 773

Perth County has competitive land costs and minimal Real estate and rental and leasing 692 to no development charges. Connection to municipal Retail trade 640 services is available in our larger urban areas, as well as key services such as hydro, natural gas and Other services (except public 462 administration) modern telecommunications. Professional, scientific and technical 452 This results in competitive advantages when developing a services commercial or industrial project in Perth County. Health care and social assistance 342

Strategic Partnerships Finance and insurance 331 Our office works with a number of Strategic Partners to provide customized relevant support to industry and Manufacturing 310 business, including: Transportation and warehousing 285

Perth Community Futures Development Corporation Accommodation and food services 265 Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce North Perth Chamber of Commerce Wholesale trade 248 Perth County Visitors Association Arts, entertainment and recreation 172 Stratford Perth Centre for Business

Stratford Accelerator Centre: Management of companies and 166 SWEA – Southwest Economic Alliance enterprises Technical Training Group Administrative and support, waste 166 management and remediation services Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs Educational services 52 Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs Information and cultural industries 43 Invest in Ontario Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas 14 extraction Utilities 12

Public administration 8

Source: Canada NHS data 2011

26 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The Economic Development Office provides a responsive We invite you to contact us. We’re here to provide the service and develops programs and policy to support guidance you need to locate and grow in Perth County. the viability and economic growth of the communities in Collectively we’re here to support you with: Perth County. Site selection and location Access to grant and loan programs Our office is honored to be the ambassador of economic Statistics, maps, demographic and development within the County, creating the jobs that community information establish legacies, which in turn help our County climb to Connections to local landowners, developers, the top of the list of leaders in a wide range of industries. municipal officials and real estate Our office works in partnership with a number of local Business start-up and expansion resources and provincial organizations to connect you with local Stratford Accelerator Centre services and resources. Labour strategies Training providers

27 YOURBUSINESS

ISOURPLEASURE

WWW.PERTHCOUNTYBUSINESS.CA

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1 Huron Street Stratford, Ontario N5A 5S4 Phone: 519.271.0531 Toll Free: 1.800.463.8275 Fax: 519.271.6265 Email: [email protected]

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